We will be on our honeymoon for Easter 2009, staying at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Typically my fiance and I host Easter dinner for 20 people at our house so being away from home this time will be dramatically different for us. Can anyone make a recommendation for Easter dinner that is reasonably close to the Hilton? We will have a rental car and could even build a sightseeing trip around the destination.

I've been on The Big Island for Easter and really nothing special was going on in the hotels. You might need to see if there was a local church having an Easter luau or something.

Don't know enough about Big Island to specifically help you, but you can try these links:

http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/rest/bi.htm (this site is also good for their self drive guides)

http://www.hawaiidiner.com/directory/index.php?island=3

http://www.driveguidemagazines.com/t...aiidining.html (nice maps from their home site)

http://www.bigisland.org/food/262/more-menus-and-venues (This is Big Island Visitor's Bureau. they will send a free brochure)

One of the best meals in my life was at Merriman's up in Waimea. The food was exquisite but there is something about the ambiance of the restaurant and the little town that just makes it a whole package. My very first impression was that it was quiet and casual but as the evening wore on it just developed an incredible energy, almost like a big family holiday meal. I think if you are going to splurge on one great dinner, make it here. It is a bit of a drive up country but it is totally scenic and relaxing. If I remember correctly approx. 1/2 hour from Waikoloa but I would call and confirm as I am not always great with estimating time! This would be my choice for Easter dinner for sure, but be sure to reserve!!!!

Merriman's is wonderful, yes. Just make sure you have a designated driver. That drive down the hill is nasty, especially after dark.

thanks for the suggestions, maybe we will do a nice brunch or something.

Are you set on going to the Hilton Waikoloa? Because it's not a romantic honeymoon place, really. It's more a family place, with lots of kids. It's kind of like a Disneyland in Hawaii, with the boat, the swimming pools with slides, the man-made lagoon, the dolphins, etc.

For your honeymoon, I'd recommend instead the Mauna Lani or the Fairmont Orchid. They are more suitable for an adult get-away IMHO.

Yeah, I agree with PeaceOut. I thought the Hilton Waikoloa was a zoo full of kids. It will be even more so during spring break (Easter). For a romantic honeymoon, I'd chose a different hotel.

My wonderful future brother in law gave us the nights at the Hilton from his Hilton Honors points so I will take free anyday! I am not worried about the hotel there, we are staying at the Halekulani in Oahu for three nights before we get to the BI for our real treat. Easter dinner was really my only concern while we are at the Hilton.

Well, if it's free, you'll love it! There are plenty of beautiful spots on the property, of course.

We had dinner at a nice restaurant nearby, I think on a golf course. I'll ask my husband if he can remember the name. Otherwise, we didn't leave the Hilton much, because we had our two kids along, and because it's self-contained.

There is a high-end restaurant at the Hilton, and I imagine they'll be offering a special Easter meal (though usually it's brunch). Also a very nice open air restaurant where we'd have breakfast. Have you asked the hotel?

The Mauna Kea, which has recently reopened, usually has very extravagant brunches, and may have some special Easter entertainment. All the resorts have very nice beach side restaurants, and you are welcome to explore all the beaches and resort restaurants even if you are not staying there.

I also love Merrimans as well as Daniel Thiebault's in Waimea.

There are some lovely restaurants in North Kohala including the Bamboo in Hawi which has entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights.

We will be on Kauai during the same time.

I remember having a fantastic meal at Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid.

http://www.fairmont.com/orchid/Guest...BeachHouse.htm

Donatoni's right in the hotel is an award-winning restaurant (http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.../donatonis.asp). A table outside on the lanai would be perfect if the weather is nice.

Another vote for Donatoni's, especially if you don't feel like leaving the hotel. Excellent pasta...ended up cleaning my plate and basically rolled back to the room.

I have not asked the hotel yet, I have no problem staying there for dinner, just wasn't sure if there was a traditional Hawaiian DON'T MISS event out there.

I would also go to www.konaweb.com and ask there. Many locals view that website and can give you other ideas.

A place we love that is not far from Waikoloa is Alan Wong's Hualalai Grill in the Haulalai resort. The food is divine, but also very pricey. If you want to have dinner there, make your reservations early.

They have the best Mai Tais on the island, IMO, but don't have more than one. they are huge!

BTW, the Haulalai Resort is run by Four Seasons.

I know it's been awhile but any other suggestions? The Hilton doesn't have anything planned (at least not that anyone knows about) and they don't do Sunday Brunch anymore. I think Brunch/Lunch is probably what we are going for.